When asked, “What is the appeal of Aikido?” and “What can Aikido give you?”, here are some anonymous electronic responses from trial students:

“Concentration, focusing strength on the mind.”

“The concept of alternative resolution.”

“It’s all about re-directing your opponents attack and using their own momentum against them.”

“I am a grown up now.  So I don’t want to cause any pain to others.  Just looking for a fun activity and to learn something new.”

“I am working on improving myself as a constructive part of the world.  Peaceful & constructive resolutions are my ideal but I recognize that violence exists.  In Aikido I hope to find an effective way to deal with violence (spiritual, emotional and physical) that is in line with my beliefs.”

“Aikido aims to resolve conflict in the most possible constructive way.”

“It is simpler to avoid and attacker and to disarm, distract or otherwise get away from at attacker rather then harm them and gain a bad reputation.”

“I respect the flow of the art. The balance that it seems to bring as a whole to your life.”

“The spiritual aspects of the art, as well as the physical skills and discipline.  I believe it will give me a strong center and improve all aspects of my life.”

“I keep a cool head in situation that panic others  and have a deep spiritual interest in discovering the self discipline that Aikido provides.”

“Aikido is primarily a defensive martial art concentrating on flow of movement and ki to fend off an assailant.”

“I have had past experience in martial arts and having practiced more agressive art forms … I am also looking to a martial art for the spirtual side and personal development.”

“I think this is because Aikido uses the attacker’s momentum and redirects it back to him or her. ”

“Utilize grace as a method of self-defense.”

“Inner peace.”

“It is meant to utilize the flow of the attack and inflict as little harm as possible to the attacker.”

“I have read that the awareness it brings benefits the mind, body and the spirit. The art is not focused on offensive techniques which also appeals.”

“A defensive art that uses flexibility and focus to utilize and redirect energy from an oncoming attack.”

“Better life quality.”

I invite you to draw your own conclusions from this about what students want to learn.

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